Liberal Party of Mexico

The Liberal Party of Mexico was the main liberal party in Mexican politics during the 19th century, existing from 1822 to 1884. The party was founded upon Mexican independence, and Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna was an early leader of the party before switching to conservatism. Under Santa Anna, Mexico pursued anti-clerical policies, and landowners lost power. The Liberals would find another able leader in Benito Juarez, who would defeat the Conservative Party of Mexico in the bloody Reform War of 1857-1861 and defeat both France and Maximilian I of Mexico's forces during the Franco-Mexican War of 1861-1867. Porfirio Diaz replaced the Liberals with the National Porfirist Party in 1884.